Thoughts on the New Year

Thoughts on the New Year

The presents were opened, the ham eaten, and Santa came for the last time – my youngest graduates this year.

Christmas Day has always been one day I was free to write. Once Santa had come, the presents were opened, and the ham eaten, everyone else was always occupied with their new gifts, so I had a while to sit in peace. I’ve always used the time to reflect on the previous year and turn my thoughts to the year ahead. This year was no different, and I spent the day looking back over my writing and marketing plan and trying to figure out what I needed to do to be successful in 2017. Truth be told, I have absolutely no idea.

Well, that’s not entirely true. I know I let fear keep me from promoting my writing the way I should. I know that I let my work hours keep me from attending workshops and conferences that would help me improve my writing and make the connections I need to make. I realize that, and I think it’s time to do something about it. I also realized that I let myself become exhausted and discouraged and that it won’t work to let that continue.

I have several book ideas for this year. I’ve finished the first revision of The Journey of Gwennyth Grimsbane, and I’m working on completing a story that predates Wolf in the Shadow. At two o’clock Christmas morning, I got an idea for the fourth book of The Chronicles of Ethan Grimley III, so I’m hoping to get started on that one soon. I’ve also decided that I’ve made excuses for ‘the novel that never ends’ long enough, and I need to get on with getting it finished. Most of the book is written, but there are a few scenes that need to be added and a few more that need to be rewritten. Then, of course, there’s the revision and editing process. Regardless, this one needs to take priority this year.

I’d also like to redesign my website and make it look more like the Shadow Walker Guild Hall, at least as far as my meager skills can accomplish it. Feel free to chime in with opinions on that one. I’d also be interested in hearing your thoughts on what you’d like to see here.

So, plans made. I know what needs to be done. Now I just need to figure out how to get it all done in the time I have. But I can do this. I have my trusty planner and Galadriel, and the two of us will make it happen.